Cardiff Trading Standards has brought together a number of partner agencies to help teach around 2,500 Year 6 pupils lessons about safety, health and crime.
The Cardiff Crucial Crew has been organised by Trading Standards and South Wales Police working together, and is supported by many partners including South Wales Fire Service, Cardiff Bus, RNLI, Western Power, Red Cross plus Cardiff Council’s Road Safety, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, and Health Improvement teams.
The event takes place at the Treforest Safety Zone in a unique and interactive learning environment. Children spend ten minutes with each partner learning how to tackle everyday problems that they may encounter when moving on to comprehensive school and also how to avoid becoming involved in crime.
Trading Standards Officers will be talking to children about animal welfare and pet care in a new addition this year, plus officers will be educating children about underage sales in a purpose built shop.
All children leave with an information pack including advice leaflets, giveaways and relevant material which can be used for follow-up lessons in schools.
Councillor Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Deputy Leader said: “Cardiff Council is committed to ensuring the well being and safety of children in Cardiff. Key life skills are essential for keeping safe and Crucial Crew delivers these necessary factors in an exciting yet informative format.
“We are all looking forward to another successful Crucial Crew this year. We hope that all the children take on board the importance of personal safety and also have an enjoyable time!”
Chief Superintendent Josh Jones, South Wales Police divisional commander for Cardiff said, “Crucial Crew has proved extremely successful over the past few years and is very popular with children who have participated. This year, our schools community police officers will be focusing on issues around anti-social behaviour. Officers will engage the children in a range of activities that explain the impact and consequences of anti-social behaviour – an issue that the communities of Cardiff consistently identify as being key to their quality of life.”
